Kerala’s journey towards a dynamic and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem took a remarkable leap forward with the successful conclusion of the Women Entrepreneurs Conclave 2025 on October 13 at the Lulu International Convention Centre, Thrissur. The event gathered an inspiring audience of over 1,500 women entrepreneurs from across Kerala, showcasing the rapidly evolving landscape where women are not just participants but leaders in business innovation and growth.
The conclave was more than a gathering; it was a powerful platform empowering women to embrace the opportunities technology presents for scaling and sustainability in entrepreneurship. Organised by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Government of Kerala, under the RAMP project, supported by the Ministry of MSME and the World Bank, the event’s purpose was clear, to elevate women-led MSMEs through technology-driven solutions and supportive networks.
Industries Minister P Rajeev, who was the chief guest at the Kerala Women Entrepreneurs Conclave 2025, had earlier unveiled the event’s logo, symbolising a new dawn for women-led business growth in the state. A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish I.A.S, Principal secretary of the Industries Department, remarked that the conclave signifies a critical step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A resonant theme throughout the conclave was the enthusiastic desire among women entrepreneurs to deepen their digital presence. During a talk session by Dojo Jose, titled “Scaling Up Business through Online and E-commerce,” the eagerness to learn and adopt new digital strategies was palpable. Many attendees approached for guidance on transitioning from social media marketing—primarily WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook—to more expansive e-commerce platforms, which are essential for scaling business operations beyond local limits.
An insightful statistic revealed that only around 38% of these women entrepreneurs have a dedicated website, highlighting both a challenge and an opportunity. Social media remains a critical starting point, but scaling necessitates stronger online infrastructure and engagement on larger marketplaces. The conclave provided crucial clarity on this journey, helping attendees understand the complexities involved in scaling their businesses digitally while addressing challenges such as online visibility, logistics, and market competition.
The Government of Kerala’s commitment was evident not only in the event itself but through landmark initiatives announced alongside it. The introduction of ‘Mission 1000’ aims to transform 1,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises, many women-led, into businesses with turnovers exceeding ₹1 crore annually. Already, 444 enterprises are part of this pioneering mission. Additionally, regulatory reforms have made it easier for women to convert residential and vacant properties for business use in panchayat areas, thus removing traditional barriers to entrepreneurship and allowing greater flexibility and innovation.
A particularly promising development is the establishment of the Women Industrial Park, a dedicated space created exclusively for women entrepreneurs to incubate, innovate, and expand their businesses with specialized support and infrastructure. This bold move signals Kerala’s ambition to nurture a thriving environment where women can break ceilings and scale new heights.
Throughout the day, various interactive sessions and panel discussions enriched the learning experience. Topics ranged from ‘The Role of Women in Technology-Driven Production’ to practical guidance on government support schemes. The Single Window System was a highlight, offering real-time access to banks, research institutions, GST services, and e-commerce platforms, a one-stop facilitation hub that simplifies business processes and resource access.
The conclave did not just spotlight the present achievements but also inspired a vision for the future. Kerala’s ‘Year of Entrepreneurship’ initiative, which saw women entrepreneurs constitute 31% of registered entrepreneurs, is a milestone that stands as a foundation for further growth. With ongoing government commitment, increasing technology adoption, and motivated entrepreneurs ready to scale digitally, Kerala is poised to be a beacon of inclusive industrial growth and innovation led by women.
Reflecting on the conclave’s success and the palpable energy among women entrepreneurs, it is clear that this movement is about more than business; it is about transformation—breaking traditional molds, building networks, and harnessing technology to create sustainable livelihoods that uplift families and communities alike. The Women Entrepreneurs Conclave 2025 in Thrissur has indeed marked a new chapter, charting a course for Kerala where women innovators are not just participants in the economy but the architects of its future.
This inspiring gathering underscored an important truth: when women are empowered with knowledge, technology, and institutional support, their potential to drive economic development and social change is unlimited. Kerala’s women entrepreneurs are ready to scale unprecedented heights, armed with digital tools and government backing, to sculpt a vibrant and inclusive business landscape for all.